Flex
what it means
Both a verb and a noun. "Weird flex but okay" — the standard reply to an odd boast — did more to spread the word than any sincere use.
To show off, or the thing being shown off.
the origin story
Hip-hop slang from the 1990s onward, notably Ice Cube's "throw ya gunz" era usage and later Kanye West's "flexin". Internet-standard by 2016.
The "weird flex but okay" meme in 2018 turned it into a reply format, and "flex on them" became a way of framing success as retaliation. It also produced "humble brag" adjacents like "not a flex" and "lowkey flex".
in the wild
I've never had a coffee in my life.
Weird flex but okay.
He mentions the car in every conversation.
Constant flex.
how to use it
- Calling out showing off, gently or sarcastically
- Describing an achievement you're proud of
- Casual conversation and comments
- About someone sharing genuinely good news
- In professional writing
- As a way to make people feel bad about small joys
related terms
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